Mixed crop and Livestock farming
By: Brock Lecomte
What is mixed Crop and livestock farming
Mixed Crop and livestock farming is when a farmer has both animals and crops on his farm plot. The crops are first used to feed the animals then the leftovers are sold. The animals then eat the crops and produce waste which is later used for fertilization of the crops.
Where
Mixed crop and livestock farming can be found in many places throughout the world. This particular type of farming is very common throughout the United States and Europe from France to Russia. More specifically in the western portion of the Appalachians and east of the 98° west longitude.
LDC or MDC
Although you can see mixed crop and livestock farming in some less developed countries it is more commonly found in more developed countries.
Commercial or Subsistance
With mixed crop and livestock farming more popular in more developed countries it has turned into commercial agriculture. Commercial agriculture is when produce or livestock is sold instead of used to feed just the farmers family. The main reason behind mixed crop and livestock becoming commercial is due to the advancements in technology and machinery.
Importance
Mixed crop and livestock farming is extremely important when it comes to where we get most of our food from. Mixed crop and livestock farming provides work year round, uses both the crops and animals instead of relying solely on artificial fertilizers. This then allows crops to become more organic.
Effects
Depending on the livestock that is being raised a particular crop might be planted over and over again to please the animals diet, however it destroys the nutrients in the ground.
Facts
Most mixed crop and livestock farms set aside a majority of their land to crops, however animals and their products account for about 3/4 of the total income made. Corn a very common crop in mixed crop and livestock farms has more than 90 million acres of land designated to it in the United States alone.
Personal Connections
When looking at the amount of food consumed each year I look at the the amount of red meat that is a part of my diet. Many of these mixed crop and livestock farms are producing the meat that I consume everyday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL3fYqUGyVw